Www.CareerSafeOnline.com Electrical Safety. Defective Insulation To protect you, electrical wires are insulated by a plastic

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Electrical Safety


Defective Insulation

To protect you, electrical wires are insulated by a plastic or rubber covering. Insulation prevents conductors from coming in contact with each other and with people.

Make sure the insulation of tools and cords you are using is not damaged.


Grounding

When an electrical system is properly grounded, there is a path that allows the current to travel to the earth (the ground).

When any electrical system isnot properly grounded, a hazardexists.


Power tools that are damaged or not properly maintained can cause you to be seriously injured.

If you touch a metallic part of a power tool that is energized because of damaged insulation or improper grounding, you could be shocked.

Power Tools


Power Tools

To protect you from shock,burns and electrocution,

toolsmust:

• Have a three-wire cord with

ground and be plugged into a grounded receptacle.

• Be double insulated.

• Be powered by a low-voltage

isolation transformer.


Overhead Power Lines

Overhead power lines are not usually insulated, and cause more than half of all electrocutions.


Wet Conditions

Wet conditions are hazardous because you can become an easy path for electrical current.

There are many circumstances that create wet conditions:

• Standing in water• Wet clothing• High humidity• Perspiration


Safe Work Practices

• Inspect cords before each use• Never overload a circuit • Stay away from all unguarded conductors• To unplug, pull on the plug,

not the cord• Don’t wear jewelry or use

other metal objects around electrical equipment

You can StartSafe and StaySafe by usingthe following safe work practices:


Training concerning electricity is very important. Training for employees working with electrical equipment must include how to:

• De-energize the equipment

• Use lockout and tag procedures

• Use insulating protective equipment

• Maintain a safe distance from energized parts

• Use appropriate PPE

Safe Work Practices: Training


Safe Work Practices: Lockout/Tagout

• Turn off the power supply

• Put a lock on all power sources

to the circuit

• Apply a tag

• Test the circuit

When performing lockout/tagout on circuits, trained employees will do the following:


Summary

It is very important to StartSafe and StaySafe around electricity. In order to do so:

• Know the hazards• Plan your work and plan for safety• Avoid wet working conditions and

other dangers• Avoid overhead power lines• Use proper wiring and connectors• Use and maintain tools properly• Wear the correct PPE for the job

Documents

Www.CareerSafeOnline.com Electrical Safety. Defective Insulation To protect you, electrical wires are insulated by a plastic